BACKGROUND:Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by intricate interactions between periodonto-pathogenic bacteria and the host's immunity. It has a complicated etiology including bacterial colonization, excessive inflammation, and increased oxidative stress. Due to its antioxidant properties, stimulation of fibroblast proliferation, anti-inflammatory capacity, and bone remodeling capability; melatonin can contribute to ameliorating chronic conditions and can have potential dental applications such as in periodontal disease.
AIM OF THE STUDY:To evaluate the effect of oral administration of melatonin on the mandibular alveolar bone and gingiva of albino rats with ligature-induced periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 42 healthy adult male albino rats were divided into 3 equal groups. Group A (negative control group), group B (LIG), and group C (LIG+MEL). In groups B and C, periodontitis was induced by the subgingival placement of a silk ligature around the right mandibular first molar tooth for 15 days and then removed. After ligature removal, only group C was treated by oral administration of melatonin. Clinical evaluation of modified gingival index (MGI) was made before treatment and repeated just before euthanasia. Animals were euthanized after 30 days from the start of the experiment and the mandibles' right side was dissected out and prepared for scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examination. RESULTS: MGI scores showed a significant enhancement in the gingival condition of group C in comparison to group B. SEM results showed significantly less alveolar bone loss with a decrease in the surface porosity in the treated group C compared to the untreated group B. CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin administration has a positive biological impact on the alveolar bone and gingiva in rats with induced periodontitis.